Happiness declining in girls and young women in UK, survey reveals

The happiness of girls and young women in Britain has declined in the last 10 years, new research has revealed.

Figures from Girlguiding show just 25% of females aged seven to 21 said they were very happy in 2018, compared with 41% in 2009.

Exams were the main cause of stress for 69% of those aged 11 to 21, according to the survey of 2,000 females.

The number of females aged 17 to 21 who said they were not happy has also increased from 11% in 2009 to 27% this year.

Gender stereotypes, social media and body confidence were among the issues raised in the annual Girls’ Attitudes Survey.

Izzy, 17, a member of Girlguiding’s advocate panel, said the research “doesn’t paint a great picture for girls and young women” but she believes there are “some positive signs”.

She said: “Girls feeling more able to talk more openly about mental health makes me optimistic for the future, as does the increase in the number of girls who are speaking out on all issues.

“But the fact only 60% of girls who spoke out felt their voice was heard and made a difference shows more needs to be done to ensure girls and young women are listened to by decision makers and the issues they raise are taken seriously.”

A number of teenage girls spoke to Sky News about the issues that concern them, ranging from exams and social media to worrying about how they are perceived by their peers.